What is cardiac tamponade?
Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid builds up in the pericardium, the double-layered sac surrounding the heart. The pericardium is a thin membrane that surrounds your heart. When blood, pus, or other fluid builds up in this membrane, it can put pressure on your heart and prevent it from expanding fully. This makes it more difficult to pump enough blood throughout your body, reducing cardiac output and can lead to dangerously low blood pressure.
At MedStar Health we provide emergency care throughout the Washington D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, and Northern Virginia areas.
Cardiac tamponade symptoms
Symptoms vary from mild to severe and can include:
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Chest pain or pressure, which can extend to the shoulders, neck, and abdomen (belly)
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Difficulty breathing
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Fainting or dizziness
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Heart palpitations, or the sensation that the heart rate is skipping, slowing down, or racing
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Pale or blue skin
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Fatigue or weakness
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Low blood pressure
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Cold, clammy skin
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Swelling of neck veins
Cardiac tamponade requires immediate medical attention to relieve the pressure on your heart and prevent death. Seek emergency care if you have sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or symptoms that worsen quickly.
Cardiac tamponade causes
What can cause cardiac tamponade?
Possible causes for cardiac tamponade include:
Cardiac tamponade diagnostic tests
Cardiac tamponade is often diagnosed using imaging procedures that can be done bedside before treating the condition.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.
Cardiac tamponade treatments
Cardiac tamponade is treated by removing the fluid putting pressure on the heart. Your doctor may recommend additional treatments to prevent the condition from returning in the future.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Itshac Itsik Ben-Dor, MD
Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease & Valvular Disease Cardiology
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Syed Waqas Haider, MBBS MD MPH
Cardiovascular Disease & Cardiology
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Hayder Dhafir Hashim, MD
Interventional Cardiology & Cardiovascular Disease
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Thomas Edward MacGillivray, MD
General Surgery, Cardiac Surgery & Thoracic Surgery
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Gaby Weissman, MD
Cardiology & Cardiovascular Disease
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Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.